From Simple Topic to Strong Thesis

Review: A strong thesis statement should take a clear position on a topic and allude to (briefly mention) the three supporting reasons why you are taking that position. These three reasons will then guide your three body paragraphs (the first body paragraph would elaborate upon—by providing evidence (CDs) and explanations (CM)—the first reason, the second body paragraph would elaborate upon the second reason you mentioned, etc).

Note: One of the important things to consider when you are writing a thesis statement is making yourself sound like an authority on the subject. In order to take an authoritative stance on the topic, avoid using “I,” “I think,” “In my opinion,” “I believe,” or “I am going to talk about.” Just state your position and your reasons in one polished, coherent sentence.

Directions: Make sure you are writing with a blue or black ink pen. On a separate sheet of paper, write your name, period, and date and title this assignment, “Strong Thesis Statement Practice.” DO NOT WRITE ON THE BACK OF THIS PAPER. Skip lines between thesis statements. You are going to choose FIFTEEN of the topics below and write JUST a strong thesis statement for the topic. You must take a clear position (should/should not) and introduce three reasons (in a brief list) why that position is valid. You may want to go through the list once, highlighting the ones that interest you, and then come back through the list to turn them into thesis statements.

Example:

Topic: Should cell phone use be banned while driving?

Thesis: Cell phone use should be banned while driving because statistics show an increase in the number of accidents involving drivers distracted by cell phones1, people coped for many years without having access to a cell phone while driving2, and states have a right to create laws that protect all drivers on the road3.

*You do not need to underline or number the three reasons; I am just doing that to show you the format!

Disclaimer: I have compiled the following topics in an attempt to appeal to a very diverse group of students, with varying values, beliefs, and experiences. I am not trying to promote a particular agenda and I am only grading you on the quality of your thesis statements, NOT the positions you take. If you find any topic offensive or controversial, pick a different topic.

Topics:

  1. Should professional athletes have lower salaries?
  2. Should minors convicted of vandalism have their hands cut off?
  3. Should schools spend more money helping minority students?
  4. Should drug screening be required for high school athletes?
  5. Should prayer be allowed in schools?
  6. Should illegal immigrants be allowed to stay in the U.S. if they are already here?
  7. Should all schools have metal detectors?
  8. Should homosexual couples have the same rights as married couples?
  9. Should all American students be required to say the Pledge of Allegiance?
  10. Should authorities be allowed to try to prevent terrorism through racial profiling?
  11. Should students have to repeat a grade if they fail it?
  12. Should parents have the right to spy on their children?
  13. Should high schools distribute condoms to students?
  14. Should drugs be legalized?
  15. Should athletes who are convicted of a felony be banned from sports?
  16. Should all students be required to go to college?
  17. Should all citizens living in the United States be required to serve a term in the military after high school graduation?
  18. Should junk food be banned from schools?
  19. Should there be a dress code in school?
  20. Should all public schools require uniforms?

[Topics continue on the next page]

  1. Should the driving age be raised to 18?
  2. Should wealthy people be required to donate a certain percent of their income to charity?
  3. Should people who have children out of wedlock be forced to marry?
  4. Should English be the only recognized language in the United States?
  5. Should people who knowingly spread sexually transmitted diseases be convicted of assault or murder?
  6. Should parents be held responsible for the crimes their (underage) children commit?
  7. Should couples have to pass certain parenting classes before they are allowed to have children?
  8. Should people with deadly diseases have the right to commit suicide?
  9. Should child molesters receive the death penalty?
  10. Should students be ticketed for using profanity at school?
  11. Should students be allowed to use iPods, cell phones, and other electronic devices on a school campus?
  12. Should convicted rapists be sterilized?
  13. Should MySpace and Facebook accounts only be allowed for people over the age of 18?
  14. Should the high school exit exam be required for graduation?
  15. Should teachers be allowed to search students and their belongings for dangerous items?
  16. Should hate crimes receive harsher punishments?
  17. Should gun control be further tightened?
  18. Should the insanity defense be allowed?
  19. Should experiments on animals be banned?
  20. Should the government run our health care system?
  21. Should we punish parents who rely on faith healing for their fatally ill children?
  22. Does welfare perpetuate (encourage and continue) poverty?
  23. Should wealthy schools be forced to aid poorer ones?
  24. Should we exclude female soldiers from ground combat?
  25. Should the United States dramatically reduce defense spending?
  26. Should the government regulate violence on television?
  27. Are video games damaging today’s youth?
  28. Do children in day care suffer problems because of their parents’ absence?
  29. Should a battered spouse who murders his/her abuser be granted clemency (innocence/freedom)?
  30. Should students be forced to attend high school until the age of 18?

*Thank you to Mr. Paul Swan Van Lent for sharing some of these topics. 